DHAKA : Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain on Saturday said the government is working relentlessly for the development and welfare of marginalised and disadvantaged sections of society.

"We are committed to implementing electoral pledges under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The present government is working for the development and welfare of the country's marginalised communities," he said, reports BSS

The minister was addressing a seminar titled "Providing a Modern Scientific Blood Storage Refrigerator and Medical Equipment to DDC Sandhani" as the chief guest at the Police Convention Hall on Eskaton Garden Road in the capital. The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Gulshan Avenue.

AZM Zahid said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against violence against women and child marriage, while emphasising education, skills development, caregiver training and language education programmes.

The minister said people from all walks of life must be involved in efforts to eliminate social injustices. He stressed the need to raise public awareness against drug abuse, gambling, violence against women and children and other unwanted incidents.

He announced that an advocacy campaign aimed at creating social awareness would begin in Dhaka after June and would subsequently be expanded across the country.

Highlighting the role of the media, Zahid Hossain said public awareness campaigns require active support from the media alongside government initiatives.

He also said the government is working in partnership with private organisations and volunteers to improve healthcare services.

Welcoming the humanitarian initiative of the Rotary Club of Gulshan Avenue, he said such activities would further strengthen social responsibility and community engagement in the country.

"Blood is a life-saving resource. The stronger the system for its preservation and supply, the more lives can be saved," he said, adding, "We want to work, build the nation and present Bangladesh prominently on the world map." 

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education Professor Nazmul Hossain, PDG Dr. Ishtiaque A. Zaman, Programme Chairman and Club Director of Rotary Club of Gulshan Avenue Mohammad Salah Uddin, and Club President Dr. Lubna Sharmin attended the programme as special guests.